During the visit MCPON toured USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) and USS Dallas (SSN 700), held an all hands call with area chief petty officers and an all hands call with approximately 250 submarine "A" school students and instructors.

During the all hands call, MCPON talked with Sailors about the current status of women serving aboard submarines, Perform-to-Serve (PTS), and looming budget concerns.

"I am confident you, our young Sailors, are more prepared to join the fleet than we, your leaders, were when we were in your shoes, and I know this because of the depth of questions you ask," said Stevens. "To accomplish great things, maintain the energy and motivation you showed me today and the eagerness you had the day you joined the Navy."

When asked what his biggest challenges have been while in the Navy, MCPON recommended utilizing three attitudes, just as he has during his own career.

"First, work hard," said Stevens. "Second, stay out of trouble. Third, and most important, be a good and decent person to your family, friends, shipmates, and yourself."

Prior to the visit with SUBASE, MCPON visited the Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) and Command Leadership School (CLS) in Newport, R.I. The visit was MCPON's third in four months, as he continues to focus on his 'Zeroing in on Excellence' initiative. The initiative has focuses on three areas; developing leaders, good order and discipline, and controlling what we own.

"No organization can rise above the expectations of its leaders," said Stevens. "Everything starts and stops with leadership, and that's why my number one focus area is the development of leaders."

Fleet engagements are intended to provide senior leadership with a frontline assessment of Sailors and what they are doing in the Fleet.

For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit http://www.navy.mil/mcpon/index.asp.